Newmarket Town 3, Dereham Town 0Dereham's winning streak ended at the weekend, with injuries to key players again causing problems for the Magpies' management.

Newmarket Town 3, Dereham Town 0

Dereham's winning streak ended at the weekend, with injuries to key players again causing problems for the Magpies' management.

After a tame, goalless first half in which both teams could muster only one strike each on goal, new signing Mark Heath-Preston had two early second-half chances, writes Ren� Kendal.

After seeing Heath-Preston's low left-foot drive go narrowly wide, Newmarket keeper Lee Hulyer used his feet to keep out the Dereham newcomer's close-range effort.

However, it was the Jockeys who took the lead in the 61st minute when David Grainger fired home a well-struck 20-yard shot following Aaron Rutter's cross from the right.

Dereham nearly levelled when Nicky Howell diverted Heath-Prestons's low cross onto a post.

Aaron Rutter increased the home side's advantage in the 78th minute with his 20-yarder giving John Higgs no chance.

Joel Brien saw his fierce drive from distance superbly saved by Huyler.

On time, poor marking allowed Jonathan Olive the chance to crack home another 20-yard drive as Dereham were soundly beaten.

This leaves the Magpies 11th in the Ridgeons Premier with 28 points from 21 games of a 40-match programme.

King's Lynn Reserves have withdrawn from the league, their results erased and the table adjusted.

There will be a maximum of two teams relegated at the end of the season.

On Saturday, Dereham entertain Haverhill who are fifth from bottom with 23 point from 18 games.

After Christmas, the Magpies entertain Newmarket on Tuesday, December 29.